India eases visa norms for Afghans

The new visa policy is being introduced on humanitarian grounds for two years.

As per the policy, Afghan nationals will be allowed to stay in India on stay visa/resident permit up to two years at a time.

India on Monday announced a new liberal visa policy for Afghanistan citizens that includes allowing them to stay in this country for up to two years and exemption from police reporting for senior citizens and children.

The new visa policy is being introduced on humanitarian grounds for two years with effect from Tuesday, an MHA spokesperson said.

As per the policy, Afghan nationals will be allowed to stay in India on stay visa/resident permit up to two years at a time. Exemption from police reporting will be granted for Afghans who are below 12 years or above 65 years. There will be liberal provisions in relation to exemption from police reporting under various categories, including Afghan students, medical patients and short-term visitors.